Rain threat forces shift in Dudy Noble relaunch weekend

MSU MEDIA RELATIONS

STARKVILLE – With the threat of inclement weather on Sunday, the Mississippi State baseball program has announced that it will now play a single game on Friday (Feb. 15) and a doubleheader on Saturday (Feb. 16) to open the new Dudy Noble Field.

The opening day schedule will remain the same, with the pregame ceremonies surrounding the opening of the “Carnegie Hall of College Baseball” beginning at 1:30 p.m. and first pitch against Youngstown State coming at 4 p.m. In addition, legendary head coach Ron Polk will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 3:40 p.m.

On Saturday, State will play a pair of games start at Noon, with game two beginning 45 minutes after the conclusion of game one.

Sunday’s game ticket can be used for entry into the games Saturday, but will be honored as general admission or standing room only tickets. All Saturday reserved seat tickets will be valid for entry into the reserved seating areas.

Ceremonies surrounding day two of opening weekend will include an on-field recognition of all former Diamond Dawgs and the ceremonial first pitches from Jeff Brantley, Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro at 11:35 a.m. All baseball alumni should meet at the Diamond Dawg tailgate at 11:20 a.m. in upper Left Field Lounge terrace to then be escorted down to the field. The Baseball Alumni Tailgate will open at 10 a.m. in upper terrace in Left Field Lounge.

The inaugural Ron Polk Ring of Honor class will be inducted between games one and two on Saturday, with the ceremony being streamed live on the video board. The class includes Jeff Brantley, Will Clark, the late David “Boo” Ferriss, the late C.R. “Dudy” Noble and Rafael Palmeiro. The Ferriss and Noble families, along with Brantley, Clark, Palmeiro and Polk will be in attendance for the unveiling.

Following the doubleheader, Kids Run the Bases, presented by LeBonheur is scheduled to occur, weather dependent.  The Drew Wilson ‘Lil Dudes Zone located beyond the right field wall will be available when gates open on both days, weather dependent.